Farming in the shade

From Michigan Ag Census Data released in early 2009: Farm employment totaled 86,000, with a total payroll of $607 million. Nearly 80% of Michigan farms are less than 180 acres; 3.5% are greater than 1,000 acres, and 1% are greater than 2,000 acres. (Hint: we fall in the 80%) There are approximately 3,000 additional farms, primarily small operations, compared to 2002. The top commodity sectors in Michigan are grains, oilseeds, and dry beans; milk and dairy products; and nursery, floriculture and greenhouse. Agri-tourism approached $23 million on 645 farms.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here! No secret that I love where I live. What a place!  Currently, Michigan (by way of the auto industry) is all over the news. It's not the best news, to be sure. But I did see a sign the other day that said "Michigan's Employment Rate is 88%!" That was right after Dave Ramsey's Town Hall for Hope Meeting , and I think the signmaker heeded Dave's "Stop Listening to Loser Talk" point... Michigan has been amazingly impacted and shaped by the auto industry. In our part of Michigan (the not-Detroit part), a large number of the factories are auto parts suppliers. In the city nearby, the employment rate is a bit lower than the state average--it's 84%. And you'd better believe there are a lot of people sweating the impending bankruptcy and/or summer shut-down of some of the auto companies.  But Michigan is so much more than just auto plants. I'd like to have you check out the   Michigan in Pictures   blog...